5 Things to know on self drive safari with children are you should plan ahead, you should avoid moving at night. The 5 Things to know on self drive safari with children are guidelines to help you have the best self drive safari adventures with children on board.
Preparing for your self-drive safari with children can be challenging, but we are here to tell all the
enthusiastic traveler parents, you got this. Self-drive safaris with youngsters might not be as bad as
they may seem. We promise!
5 Things to know on self drive safari with children
Despite the positives of a self-drive safari, the thought of taking the little ones on this kind of trip
probably sounds like a stressful nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. We have put together the
5 Things to know on self drive safari with children in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania. These include;
1. Plan ahead
When embarking on a self-drive safari with children, it is advisable to have a detailed itinerary
planned, your route planned, and ideas for your pit stops (for fuel, food, use of a restroom, or rest)
during the trip. Is it feasible to take a self-drive safari with children without a plan? Of course, but it
could end in a headache if something doesn’t go right.
Still on planning, ensure that the itinerary is according to your children’s needs and aspirations. You
know your children very well, including what time they get hungry, their favorite foods, when they
nap, when they get fussy, or what fills their cup, among others. Always consider these factors while
planning out your drive time and stops. The fact that you are in travel mode doesn’t mean that your
children won’t expect some appearance of normality in their day-to-day routines.
2. Prioritize safety
Safety is number one while on a self-drive safari, more so with children. There are a number of
things you need to do to protect yourself and your children while on a safari. These include checking
vehicle tires, brakes, and fluids before embarking on the self-drive safari. Additionally, have a backup
plan for if you get a flat tire.
Still on safety, it is advisable to pack an emergency kit with snacks, first aid supplies, and enough
water. While on a self-drive safari with children, it is recommended to keep a basic first aid kit in the
vehicle. Also, plan and share your itinerary, keep your valuables safe, avoid oversharing your plan
with strangers, and have a backup plan at all times.
3. Always start journeys early and avoid driving after dark
When it comes to self-drive safaris with children, we always say the earlier the better, with the
recommended time to start the journey being as early as 6:00 am when the traffic is still calm,
especially when driving in urban areas. Always ensure to pack up the safari vehicle and the cooler
with drinks and snacks the night before, so that on the day of traveling, you just get out of bed,
shower, change clothes, take breakfast, and hit the road.
Driving through the night isn’t recommended, especially in rural areas that aren’t well-lit.
Additionally, there is an added risk of something happening to the safari vehicle and not being able
to get it serviced as soon as possible, or even missing the spectacular views that are part of the joy of
self-driving.
4. Packing for your self-drive safari with children
As well as the necessary Vacation and self-drive safari essentials, don’t forget to take all the must-
haves for an unforgettable trip, especially when traveling with children. For your self-drive safari, you should pack some snacks to keep hunger at bay between rest stops, plenty of drinks (while avoiding sugary or fizzy beverages), packed lunch (especially if you don’t fancy the hassle or cost of eating at Cafes or restaurants en route).
You also need self-drive safari games/entertainment such as tablets (to play games, watch movies,
or catch up with their favorite TV Shows), books, and many others.
Additionally, medicine/health items to pack for the self-drive safari with children include a first aid
kit, potty training supplies, antibacterial wipes, sick bags, and sunscreen lotion, among others.
You will also need a camera, a pair of binoculars, a backpack, a rubbish bin, a sweater, a microfiber
towel (for any spills), and a ball/Frisbee, among other essentials.
5. Opt for picnics over restaurants
One of the most frustrating situations you wouldn't want to find yourself in is having a cranky
toddler that has been in a car for hours on end, only to be taken to a restaurant and asked to sit still
or behave for another hour. It is for this reason that we recommend picnic stops for meals instead of restaurants. If you can work out your itinerary to stop by a vast playground or rest area around meal time, this would be a lifesaver. Your children can freely run around and get their wiggles out while you, the parent, get to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. This will also save money on food.
Activities to do on a self-drive safari with children
If you are planning a self-drive safari with children, it is important to add some exciting en route
activities. From magical Lakeshores to Museums, East Africa is full of family-friendly adventures that
feel straight out of a storybook.
- If your self-drive safari involves passing through Cities/Towns, be sure to always check for Museums,
especially science and children’s Museums.
- Forest and Leisure Parks, Botanical Gardens, Adventure Parks, and beaches are also perfect to be
added to a self-drive safari with children.
- Have fun.
Probably the most crucial strategy of preserving your sanity amidst the chaos of a self-drive safari
with children is infusing the journey with pleasure. Transforming the journey into a thrilling
adventure for the children, perhaps by adding en route attractions, not only changes their
perspective but also recreates the passage of time.
- When the children perceive the self-drive safari as an exhilarating escapade, their attitude will be
more positive, easing the strain on everyone on the trip. Interestingly, few safari experiences can
match the sluggish pace of a safari vehicle teeming with tearful children. For this reason, try as much
as possible to foster an ambiance of excitement and amusement as a way of mitigating potential
meltdowns and creating an unforgettable self-drive safari experience.